Students in lower grade levels at two Madera elementary schools were amused by a giant insect who appeared on their playgrounds during recesses on Wednesday. The mascot Super Weevil was an enormous green beetle who visited Millview and Washington to remind children about safety and the importance of exercise.

Super Weevil and performer educator Natalie Amaya entertained the children as part of Kaiser Permanente’s Educational Theatre Community Troupe, which mixes music, drama and dance to demonstrate how walking and other physical activities can help keep children healthy.

The troupe presented “Fire Up Your Feet,” an interactive program that promotes healthy childhood activities throughout the day and bicycle safety, such as wearing helmets, knee pads and bright, visible clothing at night. The program includes simple tools to track activity, earn awards and raise funds for schools. More information about the program may be found at www.fireupyourfeet.org.

The program was also a part of the Healthy Eating Active Living initiative, which is funded by a $1 million grant that Kaiser Permanente awarded in 2011 to get Madera residents to eat healthy and stay active...